Window protector assembly

ABSTRACT

A window protector assembly that protects both the inside and outside of standard panes of glazing from vandalism or other damage. The assembly comprises a pane of glazing, a sheet of protective material on the inside and outside of the glazing, and a frame. The frame pivots on the outer side of the glazing for quick loading and unloading of the glazing and the protective sheet on the outside of the glazing, and the frame also pivots closed to seal the glazing and protective sheets securely within the window protector assembly. The frame also comprises a recess wherein the protective sheet on the inside of the glazing is positioned.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/819,590 filed Mar. 27, 2001, entitled “WINDOW PROTECTORASSEMBLY” which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/397,748, filed Sep. 16, 1999, entitled “WINDOW PROTECTORASSEMBLY” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,453, issued Mar. 27, 2001. Thisapplication also claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/819,590 filed Mar. 27, 2001, and U.S. Provisional Application SerialNo. 60/244,402 filed Oct. 30, 2000, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/395,692 filed Sep. 13, 1999, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/186,513 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,205,723) filed Nov. 4, 1998.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to protective devices forprotecting windows from damage and, more specifically, concerns areplaceable window protector assembly adapted to both protect glazingused in windows in public transportation vehicles and also allow for thereplacement of the same.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Vandalism of windows in public transportation vehicles has beenan ongoing problem for decades. Vandals cause damage by writing orpainting on the glazing of the window with marking pens or spray paint.Further, vandals often damage the exposed glazing of the window byscratching the glazing with sharp instruments.

[0006] Oftentimes, the vandal is a passenger that damages the interiorsurface of the glazing. However, the exterior surface of the glazing onpublic transportation vehicles are increasingly being defaced orvandalized. It will be appreciated that the vandalism usually takes theform of crude or otherwise disagreeable expressions being permanentlymarked onto the windows. Hence, there is an on-going problem ofvandalism and defacement of public transportation vehicles and, inparticular, damage or defacement of both the interior and exteriorsurfaces of the glazing of these windows.

[0007] Likewise, unintentional breaking or fracturing of the glazing onpublic transportation vehicles has been an on-going problem as well.Oftentimes, road debris, interior debris, or passengers may accidentallystrike the glazing with enough force to break or fracture it. Brokenglazing presents an unacceptable hazard to passengers because the brokenglazing can cut them. Also, fractured windows are unattractive and mightcause a carrier to lose respect and business. Also, broken and fracturedwindows diminish the climate control capabilities of publictransportation vehicles. Simply put, broken and fractured glazing mustbe replaced as soon as possible, but removal of the glazing is difficultand expensive. Hence, there is an on-going problem with the difficultyof replacing the glazing on public transportation vehicles.

[0008] To address these problems, various devices have been developed.For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,207, which is owned by the assignee ofthis application, discloses one type of window protector which protectsthe interior surface of the glazing of the window from damage as aresult of vandalism or defacement. In particular, U.S. Pat. No.5,242,207 discloses a window protector which includes a protective sheetpositioned against the interior surface of the glazing of the window andis held in place by a plurality of brackets which is attached to theframe of the window. This protective sheet acts as a sacrificial surfacethat protects the glazing of the window from damage as a result ofvandalism or defacement. Whenever necessary, the protective sheet can bereplaced with a new protective sheet by removing the brackets andpositioning the new protective sheet adjacent the inner surface of theglazing of the window.

[0009] While the window protector disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,207has been effective in protecting the interior surface of the glazing ofthe window, this window protector does not provide protection againstdamage to the outer surface of the glazing of the window. Also, removingthe interior protective sheet from the window protector disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,242,207 requires of the retention brackets, and thisprocess can increase the cost of maintenance and repair.

[0010] Moreover, the window protector disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,242,207 is designed to be used in conjunction with the existing windowframes of the transportation vehicle. These frames are not designed forquick glazing installation and are rigidly attached to the vehicle.Thus, when the glazing breaks, the broken pieces must be gathered fromwithin the rigid frame, the entire frame must be removed from thevehicle and disassembled, new glazing must be inserted into the frame,the frame must be reassembled, and the entire assembly must bereinstalled into the vehicle. This tedious process can increase the costof maintaining and repairing the public transportation vehicle windows.

[0011] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that there is a needfor an improved window protector that is capable of protecting both theinterior surface and the exterior surface of the glazing of the windowfrom damage as a result of vandalism or accident. It will also beappreciated that there is a need for an improved window protector thatallows its owner to quickly replace both protective layers and theglazing in response to damage caused by vandalism or accident. To thisend, there is a need for a window protector that provides protection tothe window glazing on both the interior and exterior surfaces of theglazing and also allows for easy and quick access to the protectivelayers and the glazing itself.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The aforementioned needs are satisfied by one aspect of theinvention which in one aspect relates to a window assembly mounted in awall of a vehicle having an interior and an exterior surface. Theassembly comprises a molded frame that is adapted to be positionedwithin the wall of the vehicle. The frame includes a transverse surfacethat extends through an opening in the wall and defines a window openingand an external perpendicular surface that is positioned adjacent theexternal surface of the wall of the vehicle when the frame is positionedwithin the wall. The frame further includes a seating member thatextends inward from the transverse surface of the frame into the windowopening such that the transverse surface of the frame and the seatingmember define a glazing mounting location. The frame further includes aflange that is offset from the seating member towards the interiorsurface of the vehicle and extends inward from the transverse surface ofthe frame into the window opening such that the flange is substantiallyparallel to the seating member. The seating member, the transversesurface, and the flange define a recess that extends substantially aboutat least two opposed sides of the window opening adjacent the interiorsurface of the vehicle. The assembly further comprises a piece ofglazing positioned at the glazing mounting location within the frame ofthe vehicle so as to occupy the window opening. The seating memberinhibits the piece of glazing from moving inwards towards the interiorsurface of the wall of the vehicle but permits the piece of glazing tobe removed from the frame adjacent the exterior surface of the wall ofthe vehicle when the frame is positioned within the wall of the vehicle.The assembly further comprises a protective sheet positioned adjacentthe piece of glazing such that at least two opposing edges of theprotective sheet are positioned within the recess at the at least twoopposed sides of the window.

[0013] In one embodiment, the recess is sized and positioned about thewindow opening and the protective sheet is sized such that when theprotective sheet is positioned within the recess, the protective sheetcan be moved in a first direction with respect to the recess such that afirst edge of the protective sheet can be exposed from the recess tothereby permit removal of the protective sheet. The assembly furthercomprises a retainer that extends into the recess so as to inhibitmovement of the protective sheet in the first direction so as to preventthe first edge of the protective sheet from being exposed from therecess so that the retainer inhibits removal of the protective sheetwithout previous removal of the retainer. The protective sheetpreferably comprises a sheet of acrylic material.

[0014] In one embodiment, the assembly further comprises at least oneretaining member pivotally attached to the frame so as to pivot outwardfrom the exterior surface of the vehicle when the frame is positionedwithin the wall of the vehicle. The at least one retaining member ismovable between an open position and a closed position such that the atleast one retaining member in the open position allows the piece ofglazing to be removed from the window opening of the frame adjacent theexterior surface of the wall of the vehicle and such that the at leastone retaining member in the closed position retains the piece of glazingin the glazing mounting location in the closed position. The at leastone retaining member is comprised of a first and a second U-shapedretaining members that are pivotally attached to the frame so as toextend substantially around the first perimeter of the frame when in theclosed position. The first and second U-shaped retainers have first andsecond arms with beveled ends, wherein the beveled ends of the first andsecond arms of the first U-shaped retainer are positioned underneath thebeveled ends of the first and second arms of the second U-shapedretainer when the first and second U-shaped retainers are in the closedposition. At least one securing device is attached to the first U-shapedretainer so as to retain the first Ushaped retainer in the closedposition. The fist U-shaped retainer has at least one opening andwherein the securing device comprises a securing member mounted withinthe at least one opening in the first U-shaped retainer so as to berotatable therein. The securing member further includes a lateral memberthat rotates between a first position when the lateral member engageswith the frame to retain the first U-shaped retainer in the closedposition and a second position. The lateral member disengages with theframe to permit the first and second U-shaped members to be moved intothe opened position. The securing member has a first exposed face thathas an opening adapted to receive a tool having a first configuration sothat positioning the tool having the first configuration into theopening permits manipulation of the securing member between the firstand second positions.

[0015] In one embodiment, the assembly further comprises a protectivesheet mounted between the glazing and the retaining member so as to beinterposed between the exterior surface and the piece of glazing tothereby inhibit damage or defacement to the piece of glazing by personsor debris adjacent the exterior surface of the vehicle. Preferably, theprotective sheet comprises a sheet of acrylic material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 is an elevational view illustrating a public transportationvehicle incorporating windows having an embodiment of a window protectorassembly of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 2 is an inside elevational view illustrating the windowprotector assembly of FIG. 1;

[0018]FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of the window protectorassembly of FIG. 2 taken along the lines of 3-3;

[0019]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the window protector assemblyof FIG. 2 taken along the lines 4-4;

[0020]FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of the window protectorassembly of FIG. 2, illustrating the assembly in both a closed and anopened configuration;

[0021]FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of another embodiment ofthe window protector assembly of FIG. 2 illustrating anotherinterconnection between retaining members of the window protectorassembly and the frame of the window protector assembly;

[0022]FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a securing mechanism ofthe assembly of FIG. 2;

[0023]FIG. 8 is a top view of the securing mechanism of FIG. 2;

[0024]FIG. 9 is an elevational view of another embodiment of a publictransportation vehicle incorporating windows having another embodimentof a window protector assembly of the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 10 is an outside elevational view illustrating the windowprotector of FIG. 9;

[0026]FIGS. 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views of the window protectorassembly of FIG. 10 taken along the lines of 11-11;

[0027]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the window protector assemblyof FIG. 10 taken along the lines of 12-12;

[0028]FIGS. 13A and 13B are perspective views of the window protectorassembly of FIG. 10, illustrating the assembly in both a closed and anopened configuration;

[0029]FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of a securing mechanism ofthe assembly of FIG. 10; and

[0030]FIG. 15 is a top view of the securing mechanism of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0031] Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like numeralsrefer to like parts throughout. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary publictransportation vehicle 100 that incorporates windows 102 having windowframes 114 mounted within openings 106 in the side wall 110 of thevehicle 100. It will be appreciated from the following discussion that,while the window protector assembly of this embodiment is described inconnection with a bus, that the window protector assembly 112 can beused in a number of different applications including other types ofpublic transportation vehicles and also in windows that are positionedin fixed environments, such as buildings, where the window is likely tobe damaged or defaced due to vandalism or accident. As will be alsoapparent from the following discussion, the window protector assembly ofthe preferred embodiment is designed to both protect the glazing of thewindow and also to facilitate rapid change and replacement of protectivesheets and the glazing of the window protector assembly.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, one embodiment of a window protectorassembly 112 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the window protectorassembly 112 incorporates a frame 114 that is adapted to mount withinthe opening 106 in the side wall 110 of the vehicle 100 in a well-knownmanner. The frame 114 defines an opening 116 into which one or morepieces of glazing 120 are to be positioned. As will be understood, theterm “glazing” refers to either glass windows or windows formed of anyother generally transparent or translucent material.

[0033] In this embodiment, a first retaining member 122 and a secondretaining member 124 are pivotally mounted to the frame 114 so as to bepositioned about the outer perimeter of the opening 116 in the frame114. As is shown in FIG. 2, the first retaining member 122 is generallyU-shaped having two arms 123 a, 123 b that extend along the side wallsof the frame 114 and pivoting section 127. Similarly, the secondretaining member 124 is also generally U-shaped having a pivotingsection 128 and two arms 125 a, 125 b that also extend along the sidewalls of the frame 114 so as to engage with the two arms 123 a, 123 b ofthe first retaining member 122. The engagement between the arms 123 a,123 b of the first retaining member 122 and the arms 125 a, 125 b of thesecond retaining member 124 secures the glazing and protective layerswithin the opening 116 of the frame 114 in a manner that will bedescribed in greater detail below.

[0034] As will also be described in greater detail below in reference toFIGS. 5A and 5B, the pivoting section 127 of the first retaining member122 and the pivoting section 128 of the second retaining member 124 arepivotally attached to the frame 114 so as to be pivotable between aclosed position, as shown in FIG. 2, and an opened position whereby theouter perimeter of the glazing 120 and any protective layer is exposed.As is shown in FIG. 2, the arms and pivoting sections of the firstretaining member 122 and the second retaining member 124 are selected tohave a width sufficient so as to fully cover the outer edge of theglazing 120 and any protective layers positioned within the opening 116of the frame 114.

[0035]FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the interconnection between the firstretaining member 122 and the second retaining member 124 andcorresponding sections of the frame 114. In particular, as illustratedin FIGS. 3A and 3B, the frame 114 includes an upper frame section 130 aand a lower frame section 130 b. The upper and lower frame sections 130a, 130 b have an L-shaped section 132 that is suitable for mounting inthe opening 106 of the side wall 110 of the vehicle 100. In particular,the L-shaped section 132 has an exterior lip 134 that is adapted tomount flush against the outer surface of the side wall 110 of thevehicle adjacent the window openings 106. The L-shaped section 132further includes a laterally extending member 136 that is adapted to bepositioned adjacent the inner walls of the openings 106 in the sidewalls 110 of the vehicle so as to extend substantially through theopening 106.

[0036] A pivoting member 140 is formed on an inner wall 142 of thelaterally extending member 136 so as to extend perpendicularly outwardtherefrom into the opening 116 defined by the frame 114. As will bedescribed in greater detail below, the pivoting member 140 extends thefull length of the upper frame section 130 a and the lower frame section130 b, and provides a surface to which the pivoting section 127 of thefirst retaining member 122 and the pivoting section 128 of the secondretaining member 124 can be respectively attached to the frame 114 ofthe window protector assembly 112.

[0037] The L-shaped section 132 also defines a seating member 144 thatextends inward into the opening 116 defined by the window frame 114. Theseating member 144 is adapted to receive a seal 146 that is retained inthe seating member 144 as a result of a deformable section 150 of theseal 146 being positioned within an opening 152 formed in the seatingmember 144 of the upper and lower frame members 130 a, 130 b. Hence, theseal 146 is press-fit within the seating member 144 of the upper framesection 130 a and lower frame section 130 b. It will be appreciated thatwhile the upper and lower frame sections 130 a, 130 b have beendescribed as being comprised of a plurality of discrete components, inthe illustrated embodiment, the upper frame section 130 a and the lowerframe section 130 b are comprised of a single uniform componentpreferably formed of extruded or molded aluminum.

[0038] The pivoting members 140 are positioned on the inner surface 142of the L-shaped section 132 so that the pivoting member 140 ispositioned within the opening 116 of the window frame 114. The pivotingsections 127 and 128 of the retaining members 122 and 124 define anopening 141 that receives the pivoting member 140 to permit the pivotingmovement of the retaining members 122 and 124. More particularly, thepivoting member 140 defines a ball 143 at its distal end that extendsoutwardly towards the outer surface of the window frame 114. Since thepivoting member 140 is positioned on the inside surface of the L-shapedsection 132 of the frame 114, access to the interconnection between theretaining members 122 and 124 and the pivoting members is inhibited.Moreover, an end portion 145 of each of the retaining members 122, 124is adapted to be flushly positioned within a recess 147 (FIGS. 3A and3B) when the retaining members 122, 124 are in the closed position sothat access to the interconnection between the retaining members 122,124 is further inhibited. In this way, the likelihood of a person pryingthe retaining members 122, 124 free from the pivoting members 140 andthereby dismantling or damaging the window protector assembly 112 isinhibited.

[0039] As is illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first retaining member122 and the second retaining member 124 can be pivoted about thepivoting members 140 so as to extend outward from the opening 116. Thisallows a protective sacrificial sheet 156 to be positioned within theopening 116 on the seal 146. Subsequently, one or more pieces of glazing120 can be positioned on an inner surface 160 of the protective sheet156 in the manner shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Subsequently, an innersacrificial protective sheet 162 can be positioned on an inner surface164 of the glazing 120. The first and second retaining members 122, 124can then be pivoted into the closed position as shown in FIG. 3B. Thefirst and second retaining members 122, 124 further include an innerseal 166 which extends entirely around the perimeter of the opening 116so that the inner seal 166 makes contact with the inner sacrificialprotective sheet 162 in the manner shown in FIG. 3B.

[0040]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view which illustrates the side framesections 170 a, 170 b of the frame 114. The side frame sections 170 a,170 b are integrally connected to the upper and lower frame sections 130a, 130 b so that the entire frame 114 is a single integral piece. Theside frame sections 170 a, 170 b are also configured to have an L-shapedsection 172 that has a side wall member 174 that is adapted to beflushly positioned against the outer side wall 110 of the vehicle 100adjacent the window opening 106. The L-shaped section 172 also has alaterally extending section 176 that extends inward through the opening116 of the frame 114 in the same manner as the laterally extendingsection 136 of the upper and lower frame sections 130 a, 130 b asdescribed above. A bracing member 180 extends inwardly into the opening116 of the frame 114 so as to provide a bracing contact so that thefirst and second retaining members 122, 124 will be positioned adjacentthe bracing member 180 when the retaining members 122, 124 are in theclosed position. As is also illustrated in FIG. 4, the side framesections 170 a, 170 b include a seating member 184 that extends inwardinto the opening 116 from the inner surface 182 of the laterallyextending section 176. The seating member 184 is adapted to receive oneor more seals 186 that extend laterally around the perimeter of thewindow.

[0041] As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 4, the protective sacrificialsheet 156 is positioned adjacent a seal 186 which is retained in theside frame members 170 a, 170 b in substantially the same manner asdiscussed above in connection with the seal 146 and the upper and lowerframe members 130 a, 130 b. The glazing 120 is then positioned adjacentthe outer sacrificial layer 156 and the inner protective sheet 162 isthen positioned adjacent the inner surface 164 of the glazing 120 in thesame manner as described above in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B. Asillustrated in FIG. 4, when the first and second pivoting retainingmembers 122, 124 are in the closed position, the one or more seals 166,are positioned adjacent the inner sacrificial protective sheet 162. Inone embodiment, the window 110 is square in which case the seals arecomprised of a plurality of pieces. In another embodiment, the window110 is curved and the seals comprise a single seal.

[0042] As is shown in FIGS. 2, 5A and 5B, the frame 114 is comprised ofa single uniform piece that is comprised of the upper and lower sections130 a, 130 b and the side sections 170 a, 170 b. The retaining members122, 124 are pivotally attached and define retaining surfaces thatextend about the outer perimeter of the opening 116 defined by the frame114 so as to overlap the outer perimeter of the glazing 120 and theprotective sheets 156, 162. The seating member 144 of the upper andlower frame sections 130 a, 130 b and the seating member 184 of the sideframe sections 170 a, 170 b also extend into the opening 116 defined bythe frame 114 so that the protective sheets 156, 162 and the glazing 120can be securely retained in the opening 116 of the frame 114 by theretaining members 122, 124 pressing the protective sheets 156, 162 andthe glazing 120 against the seating members 144, 184 about substantiallythe entire perimeter of the glazing 120 and the protective sheets 156,162.

[0043]FIGS. 5A and 5B further illustrate the configuration and operationof the window protector assembly 112. In particular, as illustrated inFIG. 5A, the first and second retaining members 122, 124 are pivotablewith respect to the upper and lower frame sections 130 a and 130 bthereby removing the first and second retaining members 122, 124 fromthe outer perimeter of the outer sacrificial layer 156, the glazing 120,and the inner sacrificial layer 162. This allows each of these layers tobe lifted out of the opening 116 defined by the frame 114.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5B, when the first and second retaining members122, 124 are closed, they are positioned about the outer perimeter ofthe outer protective layer 156, the glazing 120 and the inner protectivelayer 162 thereby capturing these three layers adjacent the sealpositioned on the inner sections of the frame 114. As the outerperimeter of the sacrificial protective layers 156, 162 and the glazing120 is covered by the pivoting retaining members 122, 124, these layerscannot be removed without moving the first and second retaining members122, 124 into the open position illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 5A. In thisembodiment, the sacrificial protective layers 156 and 162 are comprisedof an acrylic material that is adapted to be positioned adjacent theexposed surfaces of the glazing 120 such that the exposed surfaces ofthe glazing 120 on both the inside and the outside of the window iscovered by the protective layers 156, 162. In this way, damage to themore expensive glazing 120 as a result of vandalism or defacement isinhibited as the protective acrylic layers provide protection againstsuch damage.

[0045]FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an alternate embodiment of theretaining members and their attachment to the frame of the window frameassembly. In particular, FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an alternateembodiment of the portions 127, 128 of the retaining members 122, 124that pivotally attach the retaining members to the window frame.Specifically, in this embodiment, a retaining member 214 has a ball 216formed on a first end that is adapted to be positioned within a recess218 formed on an L-shaped section 232 of the frame. The embodiment ofFIG. 6A and 6B is substantially similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3A and3B except that the retaining members in this embodiment have therotatable ball formed thereon and the recess is formed in the L-shapedsection 232 of the frame as opposed to the other way around as describedabove in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0046] As is also illustrated in FIG. 6A and 6B, the retaining memberhas a seal portion 220 that receives a seal 222. The ball portion 216 isrotatable within the recess 218 between an open and a closed position.In the closed position, the radius of the ball 216 prevents removal ofthe retaining member 214 from the recess 218. However, the ball 218 hasa flat surface 223 that decreases the radius of the ball 216 withrespect to the opening of the recess 218 when the retaining member 214has been moved to the open position as shown in FIG. 6A. Hence, theretaining member can be fully removed from engagement with the framethereby permitting easy removal and installation of the retainingmembers.

[0047] When the retaining members are in the closed position, a securingmechanism, such as the mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8hereinafter can be used to secure the retaining members in the closedposition. In the closed position, the seal 222 engages with the innerprotective sheet 156 so as to secure the protective sheets and glazingwithin the window frame in substantially the same manner as describedabove.

[0048]FIG. 7 illustrates a securing mechanism 191 that is adapted tosecure the first and second retaining members 122, 124 in a locked andclosed position. In particular, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, theouter edge of the arms 123 a, 123 b of the first retaining member 122and outer edge of the arms 125 a, 125 b of the second retaining member124 are beveled so that the outer tip 183 of the arms 125 a, 125 b ofthe second retaining member 124 is positioned over the outer tip 185 ofthe arms 123 a, 123 b of the first retaining member 122 when the firstand second retaining members are positioned in the closed position inthe manner shown in FIGS. 3B and 5B. A securing member 190 is positionedwithin an opening 192 in both the arms 125 a, 125 b of the secondretaining member 124. Preferably, the securing member 190 is pivotablewithin the opening 192 such that a laterally extending arm 194 of thesecuring member 190 can be positioned within an opening 196 formed in aside wall of the frame 114.

[0049] In this embodiment, the opening 196 is preferably formed in thebracing member 180 and has a curved opening to permit the extending arm194 to be rotated into the opening 196 in response to the user turningthe securing member 190. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the securing member190 is preferably pivotable between an opened position and a closedposition wherein the laterally extending member 194 is positioned withinthe opening 196 and the frame 114 in the closed position and isretracted from the opening 196 in the opened position.

[0050] As is also illustrated in FIG. 8, the outer face 200 of thesecuring member 190 includes a tool recess 202 that is adapted toreceive only a specially configured tool (not shown) such thatmanipulation of the securing member 190 between the opened and closedpositions can preferably only be accomplished by an authorized personpossessing a specially configured tool. As is illustrated in FIG. 2,there are preferably two securing members 190 positioned in both of theouter ends of the arms 125 a, 125 b of the second retaining member 124to secure the second retaining member 124 in the closed positionadjacent the frame 114. As discussed above, because the outer end 183 ofthe second retaining member 124 overlaps the outer end 185 of the firstretaining member 122, securing the second retaining member 124 in theclosed position against the frame 114 in the manner shown in connectionwith FIGS. 7 and 8 results in the first retaining member 122 similarlybeing secured in the closed position.

[0051] Advantageously, it is simple to remove and replace the innersacrificial layer 162 and the outer sacrificial layer 156 and theglazing 120 by simply manipulating the retaining members 122, 124 intothe open position and extracting each of the layers positioned withinthe opening 116 of the frame 114. Hence, the window protector assembly112 of the illustrated embodiment allows for simpler and easierreplacement of the protective layers 156, 162 and the glazing 120 ascompared to similar protective devices of the prior art. As a result ofpermitting such easy access and replacement, it is now possible to havea protective layer positioned on the outer surface of the glazing 120 inaddition to a protective surface on the inner surface of the glazing120. However, it will also be appreciated that the window frame andprotector 112 of the present invention can be used with only an innerprotective layer 162 without departing from the spirit of the presentinvention.

[0052] Hence, the window protector 112 of the present invention allowsfor easier replacement of protective sheets as compared to windowprotective devices of the prior art. This easier access facilitates theuse of a protective layer on the outside surface of the glazing asreplacement of this sheet is now simplified due to the ease of accessprovided by the window protector assembly of the preferred embodiment.

[0053]FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary publictransportation vehicle 300 that incorporates windows 302 having windowframes 314 mounted within openings 306 in the side wall 310 of thevehicle 300. It will be appreciated from the following discussion that,while the window protector assembly of this embodiment is described inconnection with a bus, that the window protector assembly 312 can beused in a number of different applications. These applications includeother types of public transportation vehicles and also windows that arepositioned in fixed environments, such as buildings, where the window islikely to be accidentally or intentionally damaged or defaced. As willalso be apparent from the following discussion, the window protectorassembly of the preferred embodiment is designed to both protect theglazing of the window and also to facilitate rapid change andreplacement of protective sheets and the glazing of the window protectorassembly.

[0054]FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a window protector assembly312. In this embodiment, the window protector assembly 312 incorporatesa frame 314 that is adapted to mount within the opening 306 in the sidewall 310 of the vehicle 300 in a well-known manner. The frame 314defines an opening 316 into which one or more pieces of glazing 320 areto be positioned.

[0055] In this embodiment, a first retaining member 322 and a secondretaining member 324 are pivotally mounted to the frame 314 so as to bepositioned about the outer perimeter of the opening 316 in the frame314. As is shown in FIG. 10, the first retaining member 322 is generallyU-shaped having two arms 323 a, 323 b that extend along the side wallsof the frame 314 and pivoting section 327. Similarly, the secondretaining member 324 is also generally U-shaped having a pivotingsection 328 and two arms 325 a, 325 b that also extend along the sidewalls of the frame 314 so as to engage with the two arms 323 a, 323 b ofthe first retaining member 322. The engagement between the arms 323 a,323 b of the first retaining member 322 and the arms 325 a, 325 b of thesecond retaining member 324 secures the glazing and protective layerswithin the opening 316 of the frame 314 in a manner that will bedescribed in greater detail below.

[0056] As will also be described in greater detail below in reference toFIGS. 13A and 13B, the pivoting section 327 of the first retainingmember 322 and the pivoting section 328 of the second retaining member324 are pivotally attached to the frame 314 so as to be pivotablebetween a closed position, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, and an openedposition, as shown in FIG. 11A.

[0057] As is illustrated in FIG. 10 and 11B, the retaining members 322,324 open outward of the window so as to secure the glazing in the windowframe. When the glazing is to be replaced, the retaining members 322,324 are opened and the glazing is then removed towards the outside ofthe vehicle in the manner that will be described in greater detailhereinbelow, thereby greatly simplifying the replacement of damaged ordefaced glazing.

[0058] As is shown in FIG. 10, when the retaining members 322, 324 arein a closed position, the retaining members 322, 324 cover the outerperimeter of the glazing 320 and any outer protective member. This isbecause the arms and pivoting sections of the retaining members 322, 324are selected to have a width sufficient so as to fully cover the outeredge of the glazing 320 and any outer protective layers positionedwithin the opening 316 of the frame 314. As is shown in FIG. 12, whenthe retaining members 322, 324 are in an open position, the outerperimeter of the glazing 320 and any outer protective layer is exposed.With the outer perimeter of the glazing 320 exposed, the glazing 320 canbe removed from the frame via the exterior surface of the vehicle in aknown manner.

[0059]FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate the interconnection between the firstretaining member 322 and the second retaining member 324 andcorresponding sections of the frame 314. In particular, as illustratedin FIGS. 11A and 11B, the frame 314 includes an upper frame section 330a and a lower frame section 330 b. The upper and lower frame sections330 a, 330 b have an L-shaped section 332 that is suitable for mountingin the opening 306 of the side wall 310 of the vehicle 300. Inparticular, the L-shaped section 332 has an exterior lip 334 that isadapted to mount flush against the outer surface of the side wall 310 ofthe vehicle adjacent the window openings 306. The L-shaped section 332further includes a laterally extending member 336 that is adapted to bepositioned adjacent the inner walls of the openings 306 in the sidewalls 310 of the vehicle so as to extend substantially through theopening 306.

[0060] A pivoting member 340 is formed on an inner wall 342 of thelaterally extending member 336 so as to extend perpendicularly outwardtherefrom into the opening 316 defined by the frame 314. As will bedescribed in greater detail below, the pivoting member 340 extends thefull length of the upper frame section 330 a and the lower frame section330 b, and provides a surface to which the pivoting section 327 of thefirst retaining member 322 and the pivoting section 328 of the secondretaining member 324 can be respectively attached to the frame 314 ofthe window protector assembly 312.

[0061] The L-shaped section 332 also defines a seating member 344 thatextends inward into the opening 316 defined by the window frame 314. Theseating member 344 is adapted to receive a seal 346 that is retained inthe seating member 344 as a result of a deformable section 350 of theseal 346 being positioned within an opening 352 formed in the seatingmember 344 of the upper and lower frame members 330 a, 330 b. Hence, theseal 346 is press-fit within the seating member 344 of the upper framesection 330 a and the lower frame section 330 b. The glazing 320 ispreferably positioned within frame 314 so as to be positioned adjacentthe seal 346. When the retainers 322, 324 are closed, the glazing 320 iscompressed against the seal 346 such that the glazing seals the windowso as to inhibit the entry of moisture or air from the outsideenvironment into the interior of the vehicle. It will be appreciatedthat while the upper and lower frame sections 330 a, 330 b have beendescribed as being comprised of a plurality of discrete components, inthe illustrated embodiment, the upper frame section 330 a and the lowerframe section 330 b are comprised of a single uniform componentpreferably formed of extruded or molded aluminum.

[0062] The pivoting members 340 are positioned on the inner surface 342of the L-shaped section 332 so that the pivoting member 340 ispositioned within the opening 316 of the window frame 314. The pivotingsections 327 and 328 of the retaining members 322 and 324 define anopening 341 that receives the pivoting member 340 to permit the pivotingmovement of the retaining members 322 and 324. More particularly, thepivoting member 340 defines a ball 343 at its distal end that extendsoutwardly toward the center of the window 302. Since the pivoting member340 is positioned on the inside surface of the Lshaped section 332 ofthe frame 314, access to the interconnection between the retainingmembers 322 and 324 and the pivoting member 340 is inhibited. Moreover,an end portion 345 of each of the retaining members 322, 324 is adaptedto be flushly positioned within a recess 347 (FIGS. 11A and 11B) whenthe retaining members 322, 324 are in the closed position so that accessto the interconnection between the retaining members 322, 324 is furtherinhibited. In this way, the likelihood of a person prying the retainingmembers 322, 324 free from the pivoting member 340 and therebydismantling or damaging the window protector assembly 312 is inhibited.

[0063] As is illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the first retainingmember 322 and the second retaining member 324 can be pivoted about thepivoting members 340 so as to extend outward from the opening 316. Thisallows one or more pieces of glazing 320 to be positioned within theopening 316 on the seal 346. Subsequently, an outer sacrificialprotective sheet 362 can be positioned on an outer surface 364 of theglazing 320. The first and second retaining members 322, 324 can then bepivoted into the closed position as shown in FIG. 11B. The first andsecond retaining members 322, 324 further include an inner seal 366which extends entirely around the perimeter of the opening 316 so thatthe inner seal 366 makes contact with the outer sacrificial protectivesheet 362. Once contact is made between the seal 366 and the outersacrificial protective sheet 362, the outer sacrificial protective sheet362 in turn contacts the glazing 320 which contacts the seal 346 whichis rigidly attached to the rest of the frame 314. Thus, by closing theretaining members 322, 324, the outer sacrificial protective sheet 362and the glazing 320 are held rigidly inside the frame 314. However, itwill be appreciated that both the outer sacrificial protective sheet 362and the glazing are easily removable once the retaining members 322, 324are opened.

[0064] Advantageously, because the retaining members 322, 324 open onlyto the outside of the vehicle, passengers would be unable to open theretaining members 322, 324. This significantly reduces the abilities ofa vandal to dismantle or damage the window protector assembly 312 fromthe inside of the vehicle, where vandalism is most likely to occur.Furthermore, passengers would be unable to open the retaining members322, 324 to gain access to the fragile and expensive glazing 320. Hence,because the retaining members 322, 324 open only to the outside, thecost of repairing the effects of vandalism is decreased while the safetyof the other passengers is increased.

[0065] Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the upper andlower frame sections 330 a, 330 b include an upper and lower flange 355a, 355 b that extends toward the center of the opening 316 defined bythe window frame 314. The upper and lower flanges 355 a, 355 b arepositioned on the interior surface of the window frame 314, lyingparallel to the seating member 344 and to the plane of the glazing 320.The upper and lower flanges 355 a, 355 b are separated from the seatingmember 344 by a distance 360 so as to define an upper and lower recess359 a, 359 b.

[0066] In the preferred embodiment of the window protector assembly 312,an inner sacrificial protective sheet 356 resides in the upper and lowerrecesses 359 a, 359 b. To install the inner sacrificial sheet 356, theinner sacrificial protective sheet 356 should be flexible enough suchthat the edges of the inner sacrificial protective sheet 356 can be bentover the upper and lower flanges 355 a, 355 b and into the upper andlower recesses 359 a, 359 b without breaking.

[0067] In one embodiment, a gasket 351 is positioned on the bottomsurface 357 inside the lower recess 359 b. Preferably, the gasket 351 isof such a thickness that it centers the inner sacrificial protectivesheet 356 inside the window protector assembly 312. Also in thisembodiment, one or more retainer fasteners 353 are drilledperpendicularly through the upper flange 355 a, at a location above theupper edge 349 a of the inner sacrificial protective sheet 356.Preferably, the retainer fasteners 353 lie close enough to the upperedge 349 a such that the retainer bolts 353 prevent the innersacrificial protective sheet 356 from shifting inside the recess 359.Also in the preferred embodiment, the fasteners 353 are removable onlywith a special tool such that a passenger would not be able to removethe fasteners 353 easily.

[0068] Preferably, the distance measured between a lower edge 349 b ofthe inner sacrificial protective sheet 356 to the top of the lowerflange 355 b is less than the distance measured between an upper edge349 a of the inner sacrificial protective sheet 356 to the base of theupper flange 355 a. Thus, after the retainer fasteners 353 are removed,the inner sacrificial protective sheet 356 can be shifted upwards untilthe lower edge 349 b of the inner sacrificial protective sheet 356 isexposed. Then, in order to remove the inner sacrificial protective sheet356 from the window protection assembly 312, the lower edge 349 b couldbe grasped in order to bend the inner sacrificial protective sheet 356out of the upper and lower recesses 359 a, 359 b. Advantageously, thisembodiment of the widow protector assembly 312 allows for quickinstallation and removal of the inner sacrificial protective sheet 356,yet the addition of the fasteners 353 prevents a passenger from shiftingand removing the protective sheet 356.

[0069]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the side framesections 370 a, 370 b of the frame 314. The side frame sections 370 a,370 b are integrally connected to the upper and lower frame sections 330a, 330 b so that the entire frame 314 is a single integral piece. Theside frame sections 370 a, 370 b are configured to have an L-shapedsection 372 that has a side wall member 374 that is adapted to beflushly positioned against the outer side wall 310 of the vehicle 300adjacent the window opening 306. The L-shaped section 372 also has alaterally extending section 376 that extends inward through the opening316 of the frame 314 in the same manner as the laterally extendingsection 336 of the upper and lower frame sections 330 a, 330 b asdescribed above. As is also illustrated in FIG. 12, the side framesections 370 a, 370 b include a seating member 384 that extends inwardinto the opening 316 from the inner surface 382 of the laterallyextending section 376. The seating member 384 is adapted to receive oneor more seals 386 that extend laterally around the perimeter of thewindow. Finally, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the side frame sections 370a, 370 b include a flange 378 that extends inward into the opening 316from the inner surface 382 of the laterally extending section 376. Theflange 378 extends parallel to the seating member 384, and the flange378 and the seating member 384 are separated at a distance 379 to definea recess 375.

[0070] As illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 12, the glazing 320 is positionedadjacent a seal 386 which is retained in the side frame members 370 a,370 b in substantially the same manner as discussed above in connectionwith the seal 346 and the upper and lower frame members 330 a, 330 b.The outer sacrificial layer 362 is then positioned adjacent the glazing320 in the same manner as described above in connection with FIGS. 11Aand 11B. As illustrated in FIG. 12, when the first and second pivotingretaining members 322, 324 are in the closed position, the one or moreseals 366, are positioned adjacent the outer sacrificial protectivesheet 362. In one embodiment, the window 310 is square in which case theseals are comprised of a plurality of pieces. In another embodiment, thewindow 310 is curved and the seals comprise a single seal.

[0071] Also as illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 12, the inner sacrificialprotective sheet 356 is positioned inside the recess 375 in the samemanner as described above in connection with the upper and lowerrecesses 359 a, 359 b. In addition, a gasket 377 resides inside therecess 375 in order to center the inner sacrificial protective sheet 356in the window protector assembly 312.

[0072] As is shown in FIGS. 10, 13A and 13B, the frame 314 is comprisedof a single uniform piece that is comprised of the upper and lowersections 330 a, 330 b and the side sections 370 a, 370 b. The retainingmembers 322, 324 are pivotally attached and define retaining surfacesthat extend about the outer perimeter of the opening 316 defined by theframe 314 so as to overlap the outer perimeter of the glazing 320 andthe outer protective sheet 362. The seating member 344 of the upper andlower frame sections 330 a, 330 b and the seating member 384 of the sideframe sections 370 a, 370 b also extend into the opening 316 defined bythe frame 314 so that the outer protective sheet 362 and the glazing 320can be securely retained in the opening 316 of the frame 314 by theretaining members 322, 324 pressing the outer protective sheet 362 andthe glazing 320 against the seating members 344, 384 about substantiallythe entire perimeter of the glazing 320 and the protective sheet 362.

[0073]FIGS. 13A and 13B further illustrate the configuration andoperation of the window protector assembly 312. In particular, asillustrated in FIG. 13A, the first and second retaining members 322, 324are pivotable with respect to the upper and lower frame sections 330 aand 330 b thereby removing the first and second retaining members 322,324 from the outer perimeter of the outer sacrificial layer 362 and theglazing 320. This allows each of these layers to be lifted out of theopening 316 defined by the frame 314.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 13B, when the first and second retaining members322, 324 are closed, they are positioned about the outer perimeter ofthe outer protective layer 362 and the glazing 320 thereby capturingthese two layers adjacent the seal positioned on the inner sections ofthe frame 314. As the outer perimeter of the sacrificial protectivelayer 362 and the glazing 320 is covered by the pivoting retainingmembers 322, 324, these layers cannot be removed without moving thefirst and second retaining members 322, 324 into the open positionillustrated in FIGS. 11A and 13.

[0075] In this embodiment, the sacrificial protective layers 356 and 362are comprised of an acrylic material that is adapted to be positionedadjacent the exposed surfaces of the glazing 320 such that the exposedsurfaces of the glazing 320 on both the inside and the outside of thewindow is covered by the protective layers 356, 362. In this way, damageto the more expensive glazing 320 as a result of vandalism or accidentis inhibited as the protective acrylic layers provide protection againstsuch damage.

[0076] It should be noted that the alternate embodiment of the retainingmembers and their attachment to the frame described supra andillustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B can be fully incorporated into thisalternate embodiment of the window protector assembly 312.

[0077]FIG. 14 illustrates a securing mechanism 391 that is adapted tosecure the first and second retaining members 322, 324 in a locked andclosed position. In particular, as illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, theouter edge of the arms 323 a, 323 b of the first retaining member 322and outer edge of the arms 325 a, 325 b of the second retaining member324 are beveled so that the outer tip 383 of the arms 325 a, 325 b ofthe second retaining member 324 is positioned over the outer tip 385 ofthe arms 323 a, 323 b of the first retaining member 322 when the firstand second retaining members are positioned in the closed position inthe manner shown in FIGS. 11 and 13. A securing member 390 is positionedwithin an opening 392 in both the arms 325 a, 325 b of the secondretaining member 324. Preferably, the securing member 390 is pivotablewithin the opening 392 such that a laterally extending arm 394 of thesecuring member 390 can be positioned within an opening 396 formed in aside wall of the frame 314.

[0078] In this embodiment, the opening 396 is preferably formed in thebracing member 380 and has a curved opening to permit the extending arm394 to be rotated into the opening 396 in response to the user turningthe securing member 390. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the securing member390 is preferably pivotable between an opened position and a closedposition wherein the laterally extending member 394 is positioned withinthe opening 396 and the frame 314 in the closed position and isretracted from the opening 396 in the opened position.

[0079] As is also illustrated in FIG. 15, the outer face 400 of thesecuring member 390 includes a tool recess 402 that is adapted toreceive only a specially configured tool (not shown) such thatmanipulation of the securing member 390 between the opened and closedpositions can preferably only be accomplished by an authorized personpossessing a specially configured tool. As is illustrated in FIG. 10,there are preferably two securing members 390 positioned in both of theouter ends of the arms 325 a, 325 b of the second retaining member 324to secure the second retaining member 324 in the closed positionadjacent the frame 314. As discussed above, because the outer end 383 ofthe second retaining member 324 overlaps the outer end 385 of the firstretaining member 322, securing the second retaining member 324 in theclosed position against the frame 314 in the manner shown in connectionwith FIGS. 14 and 15 results in the first retaining member 322 similarlybeing secured in the closed position.

[0080] Advantageously, it is simple to remove and replace the outersacrificial layer 362 and the glazing 320 by simply manipulating theretaining members 322, 324 into the open position and extracting each ofthe layers positioned within the opening 316 of the frame 314. Likewise,it is simple to remove and replace the inner sacrificial layer 356 byshifting the sacrificial layer 356 until its edge 349b is exposed andthen grasping the edge 349 b and pulling on it until the sacrificiallayer 356 bends out of the recesses 359 a, 359 b, 375. Hence, the windowprotector assembly 312 of the illustrated embodiment allows for simplerand easier replacement of the protective layers 356, 362 and the glazing320 as compared to similar protective devices of the prior art. As aresult of permitting such easy access and replacement, it is nowpossible to have a protective layer positioned on the outer surface ofthe glazing 320 in addition to a protective surface on the inner surfaceof the glazing 320. However, it will also be appreciated that the windowframe and protector 312 of the present invention can be used with onlyan inner protective layer 356 without departing from the spirit of thepresent invention.

[0081] Hence, the window protector 312 of the present invention allowsfor easier replacement of protective sheets as compared to windowprotective devices of the prior art. This easier access facilitates theuse of a protective layer on the outside surface of the glazing asreplacement of this sheet is now simplified due to the ease of accessprovided by the window protector assembly of the preferred embodiment.

[0082] Although the illustrated embodiments of the present inventionhave shown, described and pointed out the fundamental novel features ofthe invention, as applied to these embodiments, it will be understoodthat various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of thedetail of the device illustrated may be made by those skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit of the present invention.Consequently, the scope of the invention should not be limited to theforegoing description, but should be defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A window assembly mounted in a wall of a vehiclehaving an interior and an exterior surface, the assembly comprising: amolded frame that is adapted to be positioned within the wall of thevehicle wherein the frame includes a transverse surface that extendsthrough an opening in the wall and defines a window opening and anexternal perpendicular surface that is positioned adjacent the externalsurface of the wall of the vehicle when the frame is positioned withinthe wall, wherein the frame further includes a seating member thatextends inward from the transverse surface of the frame into the windowopening such that the transverse surface of the frame and the seatingmember define a glazing mounting location, wherein the frame furtherincludes a flange that is offset from the seating member towards theinterior surface of the vehicle and extends inward from the transversesurface of the frame into the window opening such that the flange issubstantially parallel to the seating member such that the seatingmember, the transverse surface, and the flange define a recess thatextends substantially about at least two opposed sides of the windowopening adjacent the interior surface of the vehicle; a piece of glazingpositioned at the glazing mounting location within the frame of thevehicle so as to occupy the window opening, wherein the seating memberinhibits the piece of glazing from moving inwards towards the interiorsurface of the wall of the vehicle but permits the piece of glazing tobe removed from the frame adjacent the exterior surface of the wall ofthe vehicle when the frame is positioned within the wall of the vehicle;and a protective sheet positioned adjacent the piece of glazing suchthat at least two opposing edges of the protective sheet are positionedwithin the recess at the at least two opposed sides of the window. 2.The assembly of claim 1, wherein the recess is sized and positionedabout the window opening and the protective sheet is sized such thatwhen the protective sheet is positioned within the recess, theprotective sheet can be moved in a first direction with respect to therecess such that a first edge of the protective sheet can be exposedfrom the recess to thereby permit removal of the protective sheet. 3.The assembly of claim 2, further comprising a retainer that extends intothe recess so as to inhibit movement of the protective sheet in thefirst direction so as to prevent the first edge of the protective sheetfrom being exposed from the recess so that the retainer inhibits removalof the protective sheet without previous removal of the retainer.
 4. Theassembly of claim 3, wherein the protective sheet comprises a sheet ofacrylic material.
 5. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising atleast one retaining member pivotally attached to the frame so as topivot outward from the exterior surface of the vehicle when the frame ispositioned within the wall of the vehicle wherein the at least oneretaining member is movable between an open position and a closedposition such that the at least one retaining member in the openposition allows the piece of glazing to be removed from the windowopening of the frame adjacent the exterior surface of the wall of thevehicle and such that the at least one retaining member in the closedposition retains the piece of glazing in the glazing mounting locationin the closed position.
 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the at leastone retaining member is comprised of a first and a second U-shapedretaining members that are pivotally attached to the frame so as toextend substantially around the first perimeter of the frame when in theclosed position.
 7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the first andsecond U-shaped retainers have first and second arms with beveled ends,wherein the beveled ends of the first and second arms of the firstU-shaped retainer are positioned underneath the beveled ends of thefirst and second arms of the second U-shaped retainer when the first andsecond U-shaped retainers are in the closed position.
 8. The assembly ofclaim 7, wherein at least one securing device is attached to the firstU-shaped retainer so as to retain the first U-shaped retainer in theclosed position.
 9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the fist U-shapedretainer has at least one opening and wherein the securing devicecomprises a securing member mounted within the at least one opening inthe first U-shaped retainer so as to be rotatable therein and whereinthe securing member further includes a lateral member that rotatesbetween a first position when the lateral member engages with the frameto retain the first U-shaped retainer in the closed position and asecond position wherein the lateral member disengages with the frame topermit the first and second U-shaped members to be moved into the openedposition.
 10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the securing member has afirst exposed face that has an opening adapted to receive a tool havinga first configuration so that positioning the tool having the firstconfiguration into the opening permits manipulation of the securingmember between the first and second positions.
 11. The assembly of claim5, further comprising a protective sheet mounted between the glazing andthe retaining member so as to be interposed between the exterior surfaceand the piece of glazing to thereby inhibit damage or defacement to thepiece of glazing by persons or debris adjacent the exterior surface ofthe vehicle.
 12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the protective sheetcomprises a sheet of acrylic material.